Unit of competency details

Elements and Performance Criteria 

Element 

Performance Criteria 

1

Drive the heavy rigid vehicle 

1.1

The heavy rigid vehicle is started, steered, manoeuvred, positioned and stopped in accordance with traffic regulations and manufacturers instructions

1.2

Engine power is managed to ensure efficiency and performance and to minimise engine and gear damage

1.3

Engine operation is maintained within the manufacturer's specified torque range and temperature through effective gear selection and smooth transition in gear changes

1.4

Braking system of heavy rigid vehicle is managed and operated to ensure effective control of the vehicle under all conditions

1.5

Driving hazards are identified and/or anticipated and avoided or controlled through defensive driving

1.6

The heavy rigid vehicle is driven in reverse, maintaining visibility and achieving accurate positioning.

1.7

The heavy rigid vehicle is parked, shut down and secured in accordance with manufacturers specifications, traffic regulations and workplace procedures

1.8

Where required, overwidth and overweight permit applications are undertaken in accordance with relevant regulatory requirements

1.9

Appropriate procedures are followed in the event of a driving emergency

2

Monitor traffic and road conditions 

2.1

The most efficient route of travel is taken through monitoring and anticipation of traffic flows and conditions, road standards and other factors likely to cause delays or route deviations

2.2

Traffic and road conditions are constantly monitored and acted upon to enable safe operation and ensure no injury to people or damage to property, equipment loads and facilities

3

Monitor and maintain vehicle performance 

3.1

Vehicle performance is maintained through pre-operational inspections and checks of the vehicle

3.2

Performance and efficiency of vehicle operation is monitored during use

3.3

Defective or irregular performance or malfunctions are reported to the appropriate authority

3.4

Vehicle records are maintained/updated and information is processed in accordance with workplace procedures

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS 

This describes the essential knowledge and skills and their level required for this unit.

Required knowledge :

Relevant road rules, regulations, permit and licence requirements of the relevant state/territory road traffic authority

Relevant OH&S and environmental procedures and regulations

Heavy rigid vehicle controls, instruments and indicators and their use

Heavy rigid vehicle handling procedures

Procedures to be followed in the event of a driving emergency

Engine power management and safe driving strategies

Efficient driving techniques

Pre-operational checks carried out on heavy rigid vehicle and related action

Differences between transmission types

Principles of operation of air brakes and procedures for their use

Workplace driving and operational instructions

Driving hazards and related defensive driving techniques

Principles of stress management when driving a vehicle

Factors which may cause traffic delays and diversions and related action that can be taken by a driver

Causes and effects of fatigue on drivers

Factors which increase fatigue-related accidents

Fatigue management strategies and on-road techniques

Lifestyles which promote the effective long-term management of fatigue

Required skills :

Communicate effectively with others when driving a commercial heavy rigid vehicle

Read and interpret instructions, procedures, information and signs relevant to when the driving of a commercial heavy rigid vehicle

Interpret and follow operational instructions and prioritise work

Complete documentation related to the driving of a commercial heavy rigid vehicle

Work collaboratively with others when driving a commercial heavy rigid vehicle

Operate electronic communication equipment to required protocol

Adapt appropriately to cultural differences in the workplace, including modes of behaviour and interactions with others

Promptly report and/or rectify any identified problems, faults or malfunctions that may occur when driving a commercial heavy rigid vehicle in accordance with regulatory requirements and workplace procedures

Implement contingency plans for unexpected events

Apply precautions and required action to minimise, control or eliminate hazards that may exist when driving a commercial heavy rigid vehicle

Monitor and anticipate traffic hazards and take appropriate action

Modify activities depending on differing operational contingencies, risk situations and environments

Apply fatigue management knowledge and techniques

Work systematically with required attention to detail without injury to self or others, or damage to goods or equipment

Operate and adapt to differences in equipment in accordance with standard operating procedures

Select and use required personal protective equipment conforming to industry and OH&S standards

Monitor performance of the vehicle and its equipment and take appropriate action where required

Carry out pre-operational checks in the course of work activities

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required knowledge and skills, the range statement and the assessment guidelines for this Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria of this unit and include demonstration of applying:

the underpinning knowledge and skills

relevant legislation and workplace procedures

other relevant aspects of the range statement

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Performance is demonstrated consistently over a period of time and in a suitable range of contexts

Resources for assessment include:

a range of relevant exercises, case studies and other simulated practical and knowledge assessment, and/or

access to an appropriate range of relevant operational situations in the workplace

In both real and simulated environments, access is required to:

relevant and appropriate materials and/or equipment, and/or

applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals

Method of assessment 

Assessment of this unit must be undertaken by a registered training organisation

As a minimum, assessment of knowledge must be conducted through appropriate written/oral tests

Practical assessment must occur:

through appropriately simulated activities at the registered training organisation, and/or

in an appropriate range of situations in the workplace

RANGE STATEMENT 

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance.

Type of vehicle includes:

all heavy rigid vehicles, for example any rigid vehicle with 3 or more axles, including trucks or buses, greater than 8 tonnes GVM

Driving may be carried out in typical road transport situations, including:

operations conducted at day or night

typical weather conditions

on the open road

on a private road

while at a depot, base or warehouse

while at a client's workplace or work site

Vehicle handling procedures may include:

starting a vehicle

steering and manoeuvring a vehicle

accelerating and braking

positioning and stopping a vehicle

reversing a vehicle

operating vehicle controls, instruments and indicators

using air brakes

using defensive driving techniques

managing engine performance

Pre-operational checks may include:

visual check of vehicle

checking and topping up of fluid levels

checks of tyre pressures

checks of operation of vehicle lights and indicators

checks of brakes

Minor routine repairs may include:

replacement of blown globes in vehicle lights

replacement of broken fan belt

replacement of blown fuse

replacement of door mirrors

repairs to rear tail-light lens

changing of tyres

repair of tyre punctures

replacement of broken coolant hose

Driving hazards may include (examples only):

wet and iced roads

oil on road

animals and objects on road

fire in vehicle

leaking fuel

faulty brakes

parked vehicles on the road

faulty steering mechanism on vehicle

pedestrians crossing the road

flooded sections of road

windy sections of road

foggy conditions

work site hazards including power and service lines, buildings, structures, facilities, underground services, uneven or unstable ground and recently filled trenches, stationary and moving machinery and equipment, hazardous or dangerous materials, noise, light, energy sources, and obstructions

Factors that can cause traffic delays and diversions may include:

traffic accidents

flooded sections of road

road damage

bridge/tunnel damage

road works

building construction

emergency situations such as bushfires, building fires, etc.

road closures for special events such as marches, parades, sporting events, etc.

holiday traffic

road closures for utility works such as electricity, water, sewerage, telecommunications, gas, etc.

Depending on the type of organisation concerned and the local terminology used, workplace procedures may include:

company procedures

enterprise procedures

organisational procedures

established procedures

Documentation/records may include:

state/territory heavy rigid vehicle driving licence and permit requirements

state/territory road rules

workplace driving instructions and procedures

vehicle manufacturers instructions, specifications and recommended driving procedures including preoperational checks of vehicle

emergency procedures

vehicle log book or record book (where required)

relevant standards and certification requirements

quality assurance procedures

Applicable procedures and codes may include:

relevant state/territory roads and traffic authority driving regulations and licence/permit requirements pertaining to heavy rigid vehicles

relevant state/territory road rules

relevant state/territory permit regulations and requirements

relevant state/territory OH&S legislation

relevant state/territory fatigue management regulations

relevant state/territory environmental protection legislation